There was a time when “UNIQLO is affordable, but it’s not exactly stylish” felt like a pretty common opinion in Japan. I thought so too.
That didn’t mean I never shopped there. At the time, UNIQLO’s fleece jackets were everywhere—it felt like everyone in Japan owned one. I had one too.
Mine was wonderfully warm and comfortable, but whenever I tried wearing it out, something about the look didn’t quite feel right. So it became my favourite thing to wear at home. I also tired a few trousers, but I wasn’t a fun of the shape.
These days, I feel differently. When I walk into UNIQLO, I often find something I’d actually enjoy wearing out. The designs appeal to me more, the clothes still have that practical side, and the quality feels even better too. Somewhere along the way, a store I used to visit only when I needed something became one I look forward to browsing.
A little bit of UNIQLO history
UNIQLO’s first store opened in Hiroshima in 1984. It grew from a casual clothing store into a familiar name across Japan, and its affordable fleece became a huge hit in the late 1990s. Fast Retailing’s company history
I have to smile at that part of the story. Fleece was one of the things I associated most strongly with the old UNIQLO. I appreciated how warm mine was; I just didn’t want to wear it anywhere beyond the house.
Now, I can walk in for a basic top and get distracted by a pair of trousers or a jacket on the way to the checkout. It’s still a place for everyday clothes. I just think those everyday clothes have become much more appealing.
The innerwear is must buy
If you’re visiting Japan and wondering where to start, I’d head for the innerwear section.
A Japanese summer can be hot and humid. Even a day of sightseeing can mean walking outside, stepping into a cool shop or train, then going straight back into the heat. AIRism is UNIQLO’s range made with comfort and moisture management in mind. If you’ve heard someone mention “Cooltech,” AIRism is probably the name you’re looking for. UNIQLO’s AIRism guide
Then winter comes, and I’m interested in a completely different shelf: HEATTECH. I like the idea of adding warmth underneath the clothes I already want to wear, especially when I’m packing for a trip and don’t want my suitcase filled with bulky layers. UNIQLO offers different HEATTECH warmth levels, so it’s worth checking which one suits the weather and your plans. UNIQLO’s HEATTECH range
For me, these are some of the cleverest things in the store. They’re easy to overlook because they’re meant to go under an outfit, but they can make a long day out feel more comfortable.
Clothes for the whole family
One of the nice things about browsing UNIQLO is how many people you can shop for in one visit. Alongside women’s and men’s clothes, there are baby clothes and children’s clothes. The straightforward adult styles can appeal to older shoppers too, although there isn’t a separate senior collection.
I might go in intending to look at something for myself, then find myself stopping at the children’s section. It’s very easy to spend longer in there than I planned.
My advice about sizes: check the actual item
I learned this lesson from those trousers I used to buy: a familiar letter on the tag doesn’t guarantee a familiar fit.
UNIQLO says that even items with the same S, M or L label can have different finished measurements depending on the design. Each product page has its own size chart, with measurements you can view in centimetres or inches. If I’m in a store, I’d rather try trousers on than guess. If I’m shopping online, I check the measurements for that particular pair. UNIQLO’s size guide
For baby and children’s clothes, checking height is more useful than choosing by age alone. It only takes a moment to look at the chart, and it’s especially helpful when you’re buying a present. UNIQLO’s kids and baby size guide
And if you have time, pop into GU
You might also notice GU while shopping in Japan. It’s UNIQLO’s sister brand in the Fast Retailing group. GU feels more geared towards younger shoppers, with trendier styles that are fun to browse. I tend to head to UNIQLO when I’m looking for clothes I can wear again and again. About GU
You might also notice GU while shopping in Japan. It’s UNIQLO’s sister brand, with lower prices and styles that feel more geared towards younger shoppers. To be honest, I don’t think the quality feels quite as good as UNIQLO’s. But if I want to try a trend without spending too much, GU is a fun place to look. You’ll sometimes find the two stores next to each other, so if you spot them, have a browse through both and see which one you prefer.
I hope you find something you love♡
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